Papers
3
Total Citations
32
H-Index
3
About
Haijun Shen is a leading researcher in planetary defense and asteroid mission design, whose work focuses on developing innovative techniques to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts. His most significant contribution is the Enhanced Gravity Tractor technique, a refined method for deflecting hazardous near-Earth objects using a spacecraft's gravitational pull, combined with low-thrust propulsion. This approach, detailed in his highly cited 2015 paper (24 citations), offers a viable slow-push deflection strategy given sufficient warning time. Shen further advanced this concept by integrating lessons from NASA's Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM), demonstrating how boulder collection could enhance gravitational tractor effectiveness, as shown in his 2017 study on hypothetical asteroid 2017 PDC. His research also explores the complex dynamics of spacecraft-asteroid interactions, including the challenging problem of capturing and transporting small asteroids—a key stepping stone for both planetary defense and resource utilization. With a career dedicated to solving critical engineering problems in asteroid deflection, Shen's work has shaped modern strategies for mitigating impact threats and advancing robotic asteroid missions.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Enhanced Gravity Tractor Technique for Planetary Defense24 citations · 2015
- 2
- 3